ed it,
to their own and Mrs. Elwood's satisfaction. There were only three girls
in the dining room when they took their places, as the majority of the
"Wayne Hallites" were spending the afternoon and evening of their last
day's vacation with friends. Patience joined them as they were finishing
their dessert, and it was laughingly decided to entertain her while she
ate, and afterward go for a walk.

"What style of entertainment do you prefer?" asked Elfreda, with a
deferential air. "Shall I give you an imitation of Kathleen West's
return?"

"No, thank you. The reality will be sufficient," was Patience's dry
retort. "I prefer a more pleasant variety of entertainment."

The ringing of the door bell caused those in the dining room to glance
expectantly through the doorway into the hall. They heard the maid's
voice, then a cry of "At last!" and Emma Dean fairly charged into their
midst.

"I never was so glad to see any one in all my life," she cried, with a
joyful wave of her hand. "How I have missed you while you have been
gallivanting about New York without giving the friend of your freshman
days a thought. You might have sent me a postcard, you know."

"'Gallivanting' is not the word with which to describe our triumphal
march around New York," objected Elfreda.

"It's a very good word," defended Emma. "It means to roam about for
pleasure without any definite plan. It says so in the dictionary."

"Every day adds to our store of knowledge," jeered Elfreda.

"As I am at present overjoyed to see you, I'll try hard not to squabble
with you." Emma turned her back squarely upon Elfreda and addressed
Anne. "I heard something while you were gone that will interest you,
Anne. The senior class are talking of presenting a play. If we do, you
will star in it, of course."

"I can't, Emma," returned Anne regretfully. "My professional experience
prevents me from taking part in college plays. If Semper Fidelis, or
some of the girls, were to put on a play for our own amusement, then I
could take part, but in regular college plays professionals are barred
here at Overton. It is practically the same rule that applies to college
sports."

"Oh, that is too bad! But it wouldn't hinder you from writing one, would
it?"

"I couldn't write a play. I used to hope that I might some day become a
writer. But I know now that it isn't in me."

"But many actors and actresses have been writers, too," put in Elfreda.

"I know it. Still, the